Current and potential applications of artificial intelligence in medical imaging practice: A narrative review

Artificial intelligence (AI) is present in many areas of our lives. Much of the digital data generated in health care can be used for building automated systems to bring improvements to existing workflows and create a more personalised healthcare experience for patients. This review outlines select current and potential AI applications in medical imaging practice and provides a view of how diagnostic imaging suites will operate in the future. Challenges associated with potential applications will be discussed and healthcare staff considerations necessary to benefit from AI-enabled solutions will be outlined.

Several electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and University College Dublin Library Database, were used to identify relevant articles with a Boolean search strategy. Textbooks, government sources and vendor websites were also considered.

Many AI-enabled solutions in radiographic practice are available with more automation on the horizon. Traditional workflow will become faster, more effective, and more user friendly. AI can handle administrative or technical types of work, meaning it is applicable across all aspects of medical imaging practice.

AI offers significant potential to automate most of the manual tasks, ensure service consistency, and improve patient care. Radiographers, radiation therapists, and clinicians should ensure they have adequate understanding of the technology to enable ethical oversight of its implementation.